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Soybean meal demand expanding in key global markets

A farmer-director with the Iowa Soybean Association says he’s optimistic about the future of US soybean exports.

District 1 Director Brent Swart says 2026 has been a critical year for soybean sales.

“A year ago, we were in a dire situation,” he said. “Not that we’re completely out of it, but we’ve had a lot of really positive news in the last 12 months with soybean trade.”

He tells Brownfield, “Not only from the big dog in China, but also all the other countries we’re trying to work with in smaller markets to continually build sustainable markets over time that will hopefully help eliminate some of that fluctuation in exports.”

Swart says demand for U.S. soybean meal continues to grow in regions including Southeast Asia, Central America, North Africa, Egypt and the European Union.

He spoke to Brownfield at the 2026 Farm Progress Show.